A False Mirror (edition 2007)

One of a series of Inspector Rutledge mysteries. Rutledge is a Scotland Yard inspector from an upper-class background, who served in World War I and had some horrific experiences. He is haunted by Hamish, a sergeant he had to execute for disobeying orders. In this book, Rutledge is called away from London to a hostage situation involving Lt. Mallory, an officer with whom he served. Mallory's former fiancee has married an older retired diplomat, and the husband has been found severely beaten on the shore. Numerous suspects and red herrings create suspense up to a surprising ending. ( )

This is another clever mystery from Charles Todd. I have to keep reminding myself that the authors are actually American since they write as if English, born and bred. The style and pacing of their novels are very British and the historical background of post First World war Britain is fascinating. One of the reasons I like these books so much is that I love the character Inspector Ian Rutledge. Mystery writers have been creating these personalities for years and it must be a challenge to develope someone new and interesting. Yet they have succeeded with Rutledge, a man haunted by the horror of the battlefields, and who sometimes questions his own right to existence. He is suffering from shell shock and ill health at a time when many equated shell shock with cowardice. At times Rutledge isn't sure himself and through out solving his cases he hears the voice of a particular man whom he shot for cowardice and failing to carry out orders in the war. The voice both haunts him and invades his mind to the extent that he sometimes answers out loud.
The cases themselves are very British, rife with class divisions and tradition. Yet WWI changed England forever and those class divisions were now very much in transition. Rutledge is dealing with a changing society as well as attempting to do his job despite his physical and mental weaknesses. Enjoy.